Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 5: Exterior car wash
• Part 2 of 5: Cleaning hard surfaces and center console
• Part 3 of 5: Cleaning the fabric upholstery
• Part 4 of 5: Scenting the cabin air
• Part 5 of 5: Cleaning Windows
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

It can take a long time to visit the store every now and then and choose rather expensive cleaning products that are suitable for your car. However, keeping your vehicle clean will not only increase its lifespan, but will also help boost your mood and self-esteem. You can do without expensive cleaning products and use ingredients that you probably have in your home.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Exterior car wash

1. 1 Spray the car with water from a hose or bucket. Try to rinse off any stains that have stuck to the surface and be sure to wipe the entire surface - removing excess dirt will make your job easier. Dirt adhering to the cleaning attachments can scratch the paint.
2. 2 Remove salt and grime with baking soda. For an effective (especially in winter) cleaning product, mix one cup (230 grams) of baking soda in 4 liters of hot, soapy water.
3. 3 Remove tree sap with denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol dissolves resin and tree sap well. You can also use peanut butter instead of alcohol: apply peanut butter or hard confectionery fat to the contaminated area and wait for about one minute. Then try wiping off the paste with a rag. You may need to do this several times before completely removing the resin.
   • Denatured alcohol is good at removing tar and tree sap.
4. 4 Wash your car with hair shampoo. Shampoo is an excellent household cleaner for removing dirt and grease from your car. It's best to use a baby shampoo as its mild ingredients won't damage your car paint.
5. 5 Take a bucket and mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of shampoo in 8 liters of water. Use a soft cloth to wipe down to avoid scratching the car paint. Do not add too much shampoo, as concentrated form can also damage the paint. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Chad zani

   
   
   Automotive Detailing Specialist Chad Zani is the franchise director at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company operating in the United States and Sweden. Based in Los Angeles, California, he has a real passion for detailing and educates others as he grows his business across the country.

   Chad zani
   Automotive detailing specialist

   Use a bucket with a dirt trap. A dirt trap filter prevents dirt from sticking to the rag and back onto the vehicle.

6. 6 Use a clean dust mop to get to hard-to-reach areas. If you find it difficult to wipe the roof, hood, or any other area, this can be easily done with a rag mop.
7. 7 Remove road dirt from windshield wipers with alcohol.
8. 8 Moisten a rag with alcohol, hold the wiper blade in your hand, and wipe the rubber edge of the wiper with the rag properly.

Part 2 of 5: Cleaning hard surfaces and center console

1. 1 Wipe all surfaces clean with a damp cloth. This will remove dirt from the surfaces and will not end up on the seats or floor.
2. 2 Rub the stains with toothpaste. To remove stains from leather or vinyl seats, you can lightly rub the stained areas with toothpaste.
   • Always test a particular cleaning agent in a small area. Remember that the cleaning agent can negatively affect the paint.
3. 3 If toothpaste doesn't work, use rubbing alcohol. Lightly blot the stain with rubbing alcohol after you check it on a small, inconspicuous area.
   • The more alcohol you use, the harder the solution will be, and the more likely it will discolor the surface being treated.
4. 4 Prepare a car interior cleaning solution with equal parts water and alcohol. Spray this solution on hard surfaces, then wipe them down with used fabric softener wipes that do not leave lint behind.
5. 5 Try using a mixture of equal parts vinegar and flaxseed oil. This is another great cleaner for removing dirt and grime from the interior of your car. It also adds shine to the leather seats.
6. 6 Put some baking soda in your car ashtray. The baking soda will absorb unpleasant odors and help freshen the air. If you don't smoke, you can simply leave some baking soda in the ashtray as an air freshener.
7. 7 Wipe down the glove compartment with baby wipes. Remove any debris and dust that may have accumulated in the glove compartment. Items often forgotten in the glove compartment, such as snacks, deteriorate and contaminate the vehicle.
8. 8 Apply a home remedy to vinyl and hard surfaces. In a small bowl, combine one part fresh lemon juice and two parts olive oil. Do not apply this mixture to pedals, levers, and other vehicle controls as it leaves behind a smooth, slippery layer.
9. 9 Apply a small amount of the protectant to a rag. Use it to wipe down the dashboard, plastic and vinyl surfaces. This homemade solution will give them a shine.

Part 3 of 5: Cleaning the fabric upholstery

1. 1 Vacuum thoroughly and try to collect as much dirt and dust as possible. This will greatly facilitate the further work of cleaning the upholstery.
2. 2 Remove greasy stains with cornstarch. Sprinkle starch on the grease stains and set the timer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, vacuum up the starch and check to see if the stains are gone.
   • Some experts recommend adding a little water to the starch to create a paste. Wait for the paste applied to the stain to dry, then wipe off the remaining paste and grease.
3. 3 Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the stain and wait for it to absorb, then blot the stained area.
4. 4 Blot the stain with a damp cloth to remove it. If that doesn't work, you can lightly rub the stain or use a strong detergent. Certain cleaning agents are suitable for removing various stains. Search the internet for the best treatment for a particular stain.
5. 5 Grass stains can be removed well with hydrogen peroxide. Saturate the stain with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, then wipe with a damp cloth as you normally would.
   • If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, treat the stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and warm water. Rub the mixture directly over the soiled area, then wash it as usual.
6. 6 Soften the coke with raw onions. This product is great for removing cigarette marks. Place the cut, raw onion over the soiled area, and when you notice that the fabric has absorbed the juice of the onion, blot it with water to reduce damage.
7. 7 Prepare a versatile and effective cleaner. Take a strong enough spray bottle and mix one cup (240 milliliters) of Fairy dish soap (blue), one cup (240 milliliters) of white vinegar, and one cup (240 milliliters) of sparkling mineral water. Spray the stained areas liberally and scrub with a brush to remove stains.

Part 4 of 5: Scenting the cabin air

1. 1 Prepare a spray to kill mold and germs. With it, you will improve the quality of the air that passes through your vehicle's ventilation system. Use small amounts of this product each time.
2. 2 Refresh the air inlet. To do this, you can apply a cleaning solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to it. To determine where the air inlet is located, consult your vehicle's owner's manual.
3. 3 In a spray bottle, mix one cup (240 milliliters) of water and one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide. Shake the bottle lightly to mix the liquids well.
4. 4 Open the doors and windows of the car and turn on the ventilation at full power. Apply an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to the air inlet. This mixture will kill germs and mold in the car. At the same time, this relatively mild cleaning agent will not irritate the lungs and eyes.
5. 5 Make a car air freshener. Place 1/4 cup (60 grams) of baking soda in a small glass jar and punch a few holes in the lid or close the neck of the jar with cheesecloth. You can place this jar in a cup holder or hide it in the pockets behind the seats.
   • Add a few drops of essential oils to add a pleasant scent to the refreshing effect of baking soda.
6. 6 Place tumble dryers under the seats, rugs, and in the pockets behind the seats. This will help get rid of persistent unpleasant odors. If you play sports, place your tumble dryers in your trunk or inside pocket to deal with persistent sweat odors.

Part 5 of 5: Cleaning Windows

1. 1 Wash your windows last. You may want to clean the windows first, but many people prefer to do this at the end so that they do not splatter the dirt on the clean windows when cleaning other parts of the car.
2. 2 Don't use paper towels. Better to take newsprint or microfiber towels - they absorb moisture well, and they do not leave lint and streaks. It is also a cheaper option as the fabric can be reused and old newspapers will still have to be thrown away.
3. 3 Wipe the windows from top to bottom. In this case, no drops and streaks will remain on the glass. Wipe windows in different directions, outside and inside, so as not to miss specific areas.
4. 4 Make your own window cleaner. It is not only cheaper but also safer for the environment.
5. 5 To make a homemade window cleaner, combine a glass (240 milliliters) of water, half a cup (120 milliliters) of vinegar, and a quarter cup (60 milliliters) of rubbing alcohol. You can pour all of the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake gently to mix. The cleaning solution is then ready to use.
   • You can also clean the glasses with a mixture of vinegar and water if you don't have alcohol.
6. 6 Spray the window cleaner. Then wipe the glass with a suitable cloth or paper (remember to do this from top to bottom). If the windows are heavily soiled, use two rags: wipe off the dirt with one, and remove the remaining moisture with the other.
7. 7 Remove stubborn insect stains with undiluted vinegar. Spray a car window or windshield with vinegar and simply wipe it down. If the stain is difficult to remove, wait for the vinegar to soak into it, then wipe the glass off.
   • There is evidence that soda can also help remove insect stains if you soak it on glass and let it sit for a few minutes.
8. 8 Use the finest steel wool to remove stubborn water stains.
9. 9 Gently wipe the windshield with steel wool in a circular motion.
10. 10 Wash the glass and wait for it to dry.

Tips

• Wash your windshield, windows and other glass surfaces last.

Warnings

• Do not use too much alcohol or water when preparing the interior cleaning mixture. The correct proportions must be observed when preparing cleaning agents.
• Observe local environmental laws. It may be that in your area you should only wash your car in designated areas due to water or environmental problems.
• Never Do not use indoor spray in the interior of the vehicle, as it may leave stains or streaks on the seat upholstery.

What do you need

• Baby wipes
• Baking soda
• Bucket
• Brush
• Drying wipes
• Dust mop
• Wipes for softening linen
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Shampoo
• Glass jar (for air freshener)
• Linseed oil
• Alcohol
• Soft rags, towels, or newsprint
• Bottle (one or more) with a spray
• Vinegar
• Water